What are the best New World wines?

New World wine is a broad term covering everything outside Europe — from Argentina to New Zealand, California to South Africa. What unites these regions is a willingness to experiment, a focus on fruit expression, and often, incredible value for money.

Let's tour the highlights. California's Napa Valley produces some of the world's most expensive and sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon — big, bold, and unapologetic. But Oregon's Willamette Valley is where the real excitement is for Burgundy fans: cool-climate Pinot Noir with real elegance and terroir expression at a fraction of Burgundy prices.

Australia has moved far beyond the jammy Shiraz stereotype. Sure, Barossa Valley still makes gloriously rich Shiraz, but discover Clare Valley Riesling (bone-dry, lime-inflected, ages beautifully), Margaret River Cabernet (Bordeaux-like structure), or Yarra Valley Pinot Noir and you'll see Australia's true range.

New Zealand's Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc practically created a new wine category — that explosive passion fruit and cut-grass style that's been imitated worldwide but never quite matched. Central Otago Pinot Noir, from the world's southernmost vineyards, is thrilling too.

South Africa's wine renaissance is one of the great stories of the 2010s. The Swartland region is producing outstanding Syrah and Chenin Blanc (called Steen locally), many from bush vines planted 40-50 years ago. Stellenbosch remains the benchmark for Bordeaux-style blends.

Argentina owns Malbec — grown at extraordinary altitudes (up to 1,500 metres in Mendoza's Uco Valley), these wines have a combination of intensity and freshness that's hard to find elsewhere. Chile's rediscovery of Carménère, a grape virtually extinct in Bordeaux, has given the world an entirely new variety to enjoy.